The U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), intends to issue a solicitation for boxcars. Total quantities requested range from a minimum of one (1) boxcar to a maximum of five (5) boxcars.  Boxcar specifications are listed below:

Status Code: A-Active
Mechanical Designation: XM Box - General Service (preferred). MWM and MWX cars are not acceptable
Build Date: After July 1, 1974 Extended Service E - 50 year service. Car must have at least a 10 year service life remaining from the date of this procurement.
Gross Rail Load/Weight: 220,000 lb - minimum
Plate Code: B
Truck Count: 2
Axle Count: 4
Wheel Bearing Type: R - Roller
Brake Shoe Type: H- High Friction Composite
Body Material: 19 - Standard Steel
Floor Material: Steel (preferred)
Lining Material: 17 - sheet metal (preferred)
Inspection Dates: All must be current
Restrictions: None
Inspection Car Grade: Grade A
Journal Size: E - 6x11, or F - 6-1/2X12 (preferred)
Wheel Diameter: 33 inches (minimum)
Coupler Type: Type E or F, non-rotary, Obsolete coupler types are not acceptable
Draft Gear Type: E, H, or S. (Type C - Cushioning Center of Car - not acceptable)

All interested offerors must have an active registration in the System for Award Management (SAM) to be eligible for award. Please visit the SAM website at www.sam.gov for more information.

Please reference the attached solicitation package for more detailed information regarding this requirement.  All solicitation questions must be submitted in writing only.  Questions shall be submitted via email to the Contracting Officer, Corey L. Scott, at [email protected].  Questions are due by 12:00pm on 6 January 2015.  Questions submitted after this date will not be answered.  All solicitation questions and their corresponding answers will be posted to FBO as a solicitation amendment around 8 January 2015.